Samples & Cover Songs You Never Knew Existed

Most music fans are aware that many of today's hottest stars sample old school tunes to bring their modern songs to life, but rarely do we go back and seek out the original tracks to hear what they heard before they made their songs. Today we're bringing you a small list of songs we know you've heard in a way you've never heard them before. Check out some samples and covers you never knew existed.

Today we're bringing you a small list of songs we know you've heard in a way you've never heard them before. Check out some samples and covers you never knew existed.

5

Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise

Coolio will forever be remembered for his rap anthem "Gangsta's Paradise". The song's ominous beat and memorable hook have made it a classic among rap fans for generations. Though it's widely known that the song open's with a famous bible verse, few realize that the track is actually a reinterpretation of a Stevie Wonder tune. Take a listen to "Pastime Paradise" and see if Coolio's hit will ever sound the same to you again.

4

Jay - Z - Show Me What You Got / Wreckx-N-Effect - Rump Shaker

Though you may never have put Jay - Z and 90s hip hop group Wreckx-N-Effect in the same sentence before, they may have a lot more in common than you think. Both sampled one of the most famous horns in the history of music for their hit songs. The horn, provided by the New York based 70s funk group Lafayette Afro Rock Band in their song "Darkest Light" sampled numerous times by many hip hop groups.

3

Keith Frank - Casanova

Local zydeco legend Keith Frank is know for his big time voice and high energy hip hop infused zydeco songs. Frank scored a big time hit when his zydeco crossover song "Casanova" began playing just about everywhere around Acadiana. Though I'm sure you've heard Frank's infectious 'Casanova', I bet you didn't know that the song is actually a remake of a late 80s LeVert song by the same name. Check out LeVert's "Casanova" and tell me if you don't think Keith Frank should start incorporating matching windbreakers into his show.

2

Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg - Nuthin But A G Thang

If you're into classic 90s hip hop chances are you know ever word of Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg's "Nuthin But A G Thang" by heart. The laid back Cali anthem is one of the hits that launched the two young Death Row MCs into mainstream super stardom. So check out "I Want To Do Something Freaky To You" by Leon Haywood and hear the original track that the two master rap moguls turned into a hip hop classic.

1

Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa

Perhaps the rap legend's most famous song, "Big Poppa" showcases the smooth delivery and lyrical mastery that became Biggie's trademark. 'Big Poppa' is still a mainstay on movie soundtracks, TV shows, radio set lists, and night club speakers. Gone but not forgotten the Notorious B.I.G. will forever be remembered as one of the most talented rappers every to set up to the mic. Take a listen to the Isley Brother's track "Between the Sheets" that later became"'Big Poppa".

So what did you think of the songs? Is it strange hearing some of your favorite beats in their original arrangements? Impressed with the artist and producer's ability to make something new out of old songs? Let us know what you think in the comment section at the bottom and be sure to click the "Like" button to share these old school beats with your friends.